If everything goes according to the plans of the authorities in Kiev, in a few months Ukraine will begin a process that will culminate in the appearance of Gripen fighters in the local sky.
— We are very grateful for this new initiative that will strengthen the defense of our skies and create a future fleet of Gripen fighters. We very much hope that our pilots will start training this year, Zelensky said on the occasion of the visit of the King of Sweden to Kiev.
Gripen – the versatile defender of the European sky
JAS 39E is a modernized version of this machine, which can already be described as a 4.5 generation aircraft. In this version, the fighter received a larger fuselage, a better engine, increased weapons capacity, a new cockpit, as well as new avionics and electronic warfare systems.
JAS 39 GripenSaab
There is also a modern AESA radar and advanced software that supports the pilot's work with artificial intelligence algorithms. The modernized cockpit, in turn, makes it easier to manage the aircraft, including: thanks to the large central display.
JAS 39 Gripen – fighter cockpitSaab
As for armament, in the E version the fighter received a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon and can carry over seven tons of various weapons, including modern long-range Meteor and IRIS-T missiles. In addition, the fighter can carry anti-ship missiles, laser-guided bombs and gravity bombs.
If necessary, the Gripen fighter will also withstand extreme overloads of up to 12 g, i.e. a force as much as 12 times greater than Earth's gravity.
